I'm starting a new job and I want to build my wardrobe around a classic and beautiful woman's business suit. I'll be in New York for a few days in March around St. Patty's day. Where should I look? Are there any good sales at that time? I don't really want to spend more than $500.

There will be sales on winter suits. I'm assuming you want something transitional? You could check some of the discount stores like Loehmann's (go to their backroom), Sym's or Daffy's. I would also check the dept stores. YOu can get an idea of what they have by looking online. Check Bloomingdales and maybe Lord & Taylor online.

I would check Paul Stuart for classic suits.

Paul Stuart's suits are over $1,000

http://www.paulstuart.com/Category_t...ghtcoloritem=1

I don't know where you live, but surely there are stores that carry Jones New York or Tahari suits. I'd at least start with looking at those - at or near home.

I would be totally overwhelmed shopping for suits in NYC. Talk about sticker shock!

http://gonyc.about.com/od/shopping/tp/discount_shop.htm

Also, check out Century 21. It is a discount store in downtown Manhattan, but it carries most of the top brands and sometimes I have had luck there.

starrsville, NY is probably the only place where you might find the $1500 suit for $500 if you're willing to hunt for it. Cattleya, a lot also depends on what size you wear. If you're small (4,6, maybe 8) a trip to Woodbury Commons might even be in order. I have a friend who found some great designer suits there (Chanel etc.)

from the above link -
"you'll have to battle the throngs ... make your way through the maze of offerings..."

"... you'll never what will turn up..."

I know finding a deal makes some hearts beat faster - but discount shopping at C21/Loehmann's/etc. puts me in a cold sweat.

I think this may be a bit like the metro vs. taxi thread that can get a little heated on the Europe thread.

Some are "shoppers" - some are not. I'd rather walk into a well organized store and find my size and try on some suits, than to spend my days in NYC shopping, looking for the "deal". I'm only related to a family member who can saunter into any shop on the UES or 5th and buy anything she likes without looking at the tag. Neither (bargain shopping or Prada and the like) are my cup of tea.

Once again, different strokes for different folks.

Seriously, if you haven't already, check your closest Lord and Taylor, Nordstrom, or even Federated store for Jones New York or Tahari suits. I've purchased both as "interview" suits for jobs, including Manhattan.

Kudos to anyone/ everyone who finds the great $1500 suit for $500. I know it must be a fabulous rush!

In addition to Jones New York and Tahari (I like the latter MUCH more than the former) also look for Dana Buchman. I found a beautiful Dana Buchman suit last year for about $400 (excluding tax) at a sale.

I would suggest you consider Austin Reed suits carried by www.barriepace.com and Ellen Tracy suits carried by Nordstroms.

This is not nearly so exciting as going to NY and looking for an Armani suit at %80off in a consignment store, but have you tried Ann Taylor?

The suits at AT are very well made, high quality suits, IMO. The tri-acetate line is a little overpriced given it's manmade but AT puts out various pieces in the same fabric year after year, so you can update your look a little.

AT also has nice wool suits and these are worth the money, especially if you can find a sale or a coupon (get on their mailing list and get 15% coupons regularly)

Although Ann Taylor Loft has done well financially lately, I think their product is crap.

One other spot I find shoppable in NY is Episode. More expensive than AT, and more fashion forward (which may not be what you want for a new job...depends on whether you are a banker or in something more creative) but has some nice quality suits.

I agree w/ starrsville...shopping in NY department stores is nearly impossible for me if I'm looking for something specific. It takes me 45 minutes just to figure out which floor has the type of thing I'm looking for at a price point that's not more than my car.

It's funny, people either love discount shopping or it puts them over the edge.

I'm a part time personal shopper/image consultant and this is my advice.

Spend the absolute outside amount you can and buy the best.

Buy a basic black suit and make sure you buy the skirt and the pants to go along with the jacket.

If you are hedging on the size, go up a size and find a good tailor. Have the suit custom fitted for you.

Purchase accessories such as a good print scarf, a nice pin, and a good set of pearls.

Purchase blouses in solid colors.

Buy a great pair of shoes and a great handbag.

Remember, you can make a $2 dress look expensive with good shoes and a good handbag but you cheapen a good suit with poorly made shoes and handbag.

You have received some excellent advice here. I agree about Dana Buchman; she has a large store on 57th Street. Tahari and Ellen Tracy are also good ideas. Paul Stuart has wonderful clothing that you may find on sale at their Madison Avenue store. As for department stores, some of these labels and other appropriate ones are carried at Saks, which is a far, far better place to shop than Bloomingdale's in my opinion: Better product and far better service. Lord and Taylor would also be good. There is no Nordstrom in Manhattan, unfortunately. For what you are looking for, a really good classic suit, the discount places are not the best place if your time is limited. Totally agree about the comment about needing to have good leather with the suit. I do not think that there are many big sales on during March, though; most of the stock is already depleted but you may get lucky.

Talbots has classic suits. Even without a sale you can walk away with a suit for $500. The winter sale is over, but if you catch it early (for future reference) you can do really well. The same with their spring sale. Although I don't think it will be running in March.

And I always have better luck at Saks then Bloomingdales too.

I totally agree about alterations. A great suit just doesn't cut it if the suit sleeves or pant legs are too long -- find a good tailor.

hmmm..."spend the absolute outside amount" but a "$2 dress can look expensive"? I'd agree though, that altering a reasonably priced suit is the surest way to look your best (always ask if that service is provided, and at what cost; sometimes better shops will surprise you).

I'd like to add Brooks Brothers. Their clothes are classic and a regular-priced jacket is around $300. Look on-line to see if their suits appeal to you.

Sylvia, if you re-read my post, I said a good handbag and good shoes can make a $2 dress look expensive but cheap shoes and a cheap handbag will cheapen and expensive suit.

Please quote me on context.

I would start at J Crew - classic and basic.

Don't get personal and huffy, Gotravel, it was just an amused raised eyebrow at anyone even owning a "$2 dress." (Where would they get the money for a good handbag and shoes?!) Don't take everything so seriously!